About 20 years ago I started a collection of the cartridge rifles issued in mass to the US Army. To this date I have collected a replica '73 Trapdoor (H&R), a Krag carbine (Bannerman's or DCM), a Springfield 1903, a Remington 1903-A3, a couple of AR15's, and most recently Sgt. York's (model, not THE gun) Remington Model of 1917. Still lack a Garand and a M!A, although I've owned both in the past.
The serial number of my 1917 shows to have been manufactured in Oct of 1918 with a Remington barrel stamped 9-18, with pristine rifling and excellent barrel crown. I've got gauges on the way to measure throat and bore erosion. I'm pretty sure the receiver, barrel, sights, and possibly the stock are parts of the original assembly. The rest were switched out later. I don't think it's seen much service in the field, I'll know more about that when the gauges get here.
The front and rear sights are both stamped "R". I can't find any stampings on the barrel band, swivels or end cap. The rear sling swivel base has what I'm calling an "E" on it. The mag box and mag spring, as well as the ejector spring and rear handguard ring are Remington. The bolt stop is marked "W" and "NS". The follower, floor plate and guard assembly, ejector, safety lever and bolt stop spring rest are all Eddystone, as is the entire bolt assembly. The only markings I can find on the buttplate are the numbers "54".
The top wood-front piece is stamped "R", on the rear one I can find no markings of any type. The stock is stamped "R" in a box, and "P" in a circle just to the rear of the rear guard screw in that order. On the left hand side of the stock there are three stampings, (reading front to back) "OGEK" in a box, S.A.A. in a box, and "H" in a box. There is a faint stamping on the nose of the forearm, but I can't make it out.
Aside from the standard markings on the front receiver rings, no notches or extra holes, there is the flaming bomb on the left side of the receiver and some numbers on the bottom of the barrel just in front of the receiver. Indicator marks line up perfectly. On the barrel, just to the rear of the front sight, is stamped "R", flaming bomb, 9-18.
IMO, after HOURS of pleasurable reading here (thank you), is that I have an honest representation, hopefully shootable, representation of the U.S. Rifle, Model of 1917. I have no intention of trying to make it "all original", IMO the rifle I hold in my hands can stand on it's own merits. I know I'm proud to own it.
As you can tell by the length of my post, I enjoy conversing with other gun lovers. I hope someone reads and responds to this and please feel free to add any info about stampings, especially the one's on the stock.
Rob
